Bernard Le Bovier de Fontenelle (1657-1757) lived a long life, and his age was much discussed in his time–hence the above poem. He studied at Rouen and practiced briefly as a lawyer before devoting himself to writing. While he wrote poems, plays, and opera, he is mostly remembered for his essays on nature, Greek thought and metaphysics. His works include Dialogues des morts [Conversations among the Dead], Entretiens sur la pluralité des mondes [Investigations on Multiple Worlds] and Discours sur l’églogue [Discourse on the Pastoral]. He was elected to the French Academy in 1691.